This thesis discusses the methods used by the Russian Federation to deploy strategic weapons of influence through social media aimed at weakening the United States. It evaluates the effectiveness of U.S. responses to these influence operations from the 2016 presidential election through the end of 2018, finding that existing measures have not completely mitigated the threat posed by the Kremlin's divisive narratives. The thesis emphasizes the need for improved responses that include cognitive defenses and an alert mechanism managed by the government.

This thesis discusses the methods used by the Russian Federation to deploy strategic weapons of influence through social media aimed at weakening the United States. It evaluates the effectiveness of U.S. responses to these influence operations from the 2016 presidential election through the end of 2018, finding that existing measures have not completely mitigated the threat posed by the Kremlin's divisive narratives. The thesis emphasizes the need for improved responses that include cognitive defenses and an alert mechanism managed by the government.